Ceftriaxone, sold under the trade name Rocephin, is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections.[1] This includes middle ear infections, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, bone and joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is also sometimes used before surgery and following a bite wound to try to prevent infection. Ceftriaxone can be given by injection into a vein or into a muscle.[1]

Common side effects include pain at the site of injection and allergic reactions. Other possible side effects include C. difficile associated diarrhea, hemolytic anemia, gall bladder disease, and seizures. It is not recommended in those who have had anaphylaxis to penicillin but may be used in those who have had milder reactions. The intravenous form should not be given with intravenous calcium.[1] There is tentative evidence that ceftriaxone is relatively safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.[2] It is a third-generation cephalosporin that works by preventing bacteria from making a cell wall.[1]

Ceftriaxone was discovered in the early 1980s by Hoffmann-La Roche.[3] It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[4] It is available as a generic medication.[1] In the developed world the wholesale cost per dose is about 0.20 to 2.32 USD as of 2014.[5] In the United States a course of treatment is typically less than 25 USD.[6]